Best of breed

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This sequel to the world's biggest-selling computer game is a masterpiece. As you guide your endearing digital denizens to health, happiness, fame and fortune, you may become so addicted that your own life suffers.

The Sims display astonishingly realistic emotions, and directing their lives can be comical and poignant. Whether it is a momentous event, such as a child learning to walk, or just how a couple tenderly cuddle as they sleep, the characters never cease to fascinate.

They are also much smarter, autonomously dealing with the most mundane of daily needs, freeing players to concentrate on life's bigger aspirations. Sims now age and reproduce, passing their characteristics on to offspring, letting you watch family dynasties evolve. There is also more creative flexibility to mould neighbourhoods, construct dream homes and sculpt characters.

Everyone will play differently: the depth and freedom is astonishing.

Playstation 2

Conflict: Vietnam

SCi, M15+, RRP $99.95. Also Xbox, PC, * * ½

Previous Conflict games let players command skilled warriors in gritty desert and street fights. But squeezing the Desert Storm games into the currently fashionable Vietnam setting was a mistake. Open landscapes are replaced by claustrophobic jungle, eliminating tactical freedom. Players edge along narrow paths, progressing from one firefight to the next.

The 14 missions can be unforgiving, especially with deadly snipers, booby traps and camouflaged enemies armed with machine guns, rockets and grenades. Splitting up the squad is rarely a realistic option.

It is a shame the level design is so restrictive as controls are instantly intuitive yet allow comprehensive management of your four-man squad. Character skills can be upgraded to suit individual playing styles but the action is often frustrating and multi-player options disappointingly limited.

Playstation 2

Spy Fiction

Sammy, M15+, RRP $99.95, * * ½

More Timothy Dalton than Sean Connery, this spy caper is a pale imitation of Metal Gear Solid. Players choose between two covert operatives who are masters of disguise and stealth. Missions are a blend of sneaking, combat and using high-tech gadgets to solve puzzles.

Tools include a spider grip for hanging from ceilings, X-ray glasses and an explosive pencil. The best is a camera for creating near-perfect disguises of enemies. You take a photo, duck behind cover to transform yourself, then wander straight past oblivious opponents while nonchalantly eavesdropping on conversations to gather clues.

But outsmarting enemies is not difficult when they are so myopic and stupid. Often just shooting adversaries, then hiding until the hullabaloo ends, is as successful a strategy as implementing a complex and cunning plan. The stylish Anime-inspired visuals are the highlight.